Pre-Dental ClubResumes, Personal Statements and the

Application Process

Resumes

• Use a “readable” font like Calibri, Arial, Times New Roman, etc.

• Font size 10-12

• Margins range between .5 inches – 1 inch, same all the way around

• Keep it in black and white

• Write in first person, but no personal pronouns (“I, Me, My”)

• Focus on accomplishments & successes

Resumes- The Basics

• Begin with the current degree pursuing / most recent degree earned

• List additional degrees in reverse chronological order

• Include institution name, city, state, degree level, major(s), minor(s), and date of completion.

B.S., Biology, Minor: Chemistry, May 2013Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VAGPA: 3.6/4.0

Education

1. Skill: What did you get out of performing this duty?

2. Structure: Put result into a statement.

3. Verb: Use an action verb.

4. Clarify: Ask yourself who, what, where, when, why, and how many.

Formula For Showcasing Your Experiences

Answered phones.1. Skill: communication skills2. Structure: I learned communication skills

while answering phones.3. Verb: Developed communication skills while

answering phones4. Clarify: Developed excellent communication

skills addressing up to 50 customer billing concerns per shift by phone

Format For Showcasing Your Experience

Pre-Health resumes are 2 pages! Relevant experience needs to go at the

beginning of your resume: Clinical Experience Shadowing Research

*Format the same way you would a job

Resumes

The ADEA AADSAS application asks you to provide information about: Scholastic awards and honors earned Job shadowing and volunteer experiences in

dentistry Extracurricular activities and leadership positions Volunteer and community service activities Work experience Research experience Activities requiring manual dexterity

Resumes

Personal Statements

Set the tone: positive and forward thinking Original but not shocking Start with a grabber, then what you know, then wrap

it up Write in first person (use I statements)- it’s about

you Know your audience Avoid writing like you talk- don’t be informal, no

apostrophe’s or contractions Sell yourself!

Tips For Writing and Editing Personal Statements

Provides an opportunity for you to explain why you desire to pursue dental education.

Limited to approximately one page (4,500 characters, including spaces).

Type in word to check for spelling and grammar mistakes before pasting into the application

You will not be able to revise this section after e-submitting your ADEA AADSAS application. Review carefully before submitting!

Dental School Personal Statements

The Admissions Committee members who read your essay are looking for individuals who are motivated, academically prepared, articulate, socially conscious, and knowledgeable about the profession. Write about your experiences and any qualities that will make you stand out. Check the ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools for ideas about essays.

What Are Committee Members Looking For?

Be honest about how you became interested in studying dentistry. 

Explain how you discovered dentistry as a career possibility and what you have done to research the career.

Explain what you've done to demonstrate your interest in dentistry. Talk to practicing dentists to increase your understanding of general dental practices.

Do you have any special talents or leadership skills that could be transferable to the practice of dentistry?

Express your commitment to helping others and mention any efforts made that enforce that commitment.

Did you have to work to pay for your education? How has that made you a stronger applicant?

To get where you are today, have you had to overcome hardships or obstacles? If so, how has this influenced your motivation for advanced education? 

Tips From ADEA AADSAS

The Application Process

“Holistic admissions” strategy- looks at the total applicant, not just grades and test scores. 

Factors considered in the holistic admissions process include:  Experiences, Personal Attributes, and Metrics.

Most successful candidates for admission not only demonstrate academic potential, but also show through their actions and experiences that they are motivated, compassionate and have the potential to be caring, ethical health care provider

Qualifying For Dental School

Qualifying For Dental School

1- Explore Health Careers2- Read Health professions undergraduate preparation 3- Attend a Health Professions Advising information session Once prior to opening your OHPA eFolder.

Wednesdays: For freshmen, sophomores, and new transfer students: Sept. 5, 12, 19, 26. Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31. Nov. 7, 14, 28. Dec. 5

Fridays: For juniors and seniors. Fall semester only.Sept. 7, 14, 21, 28. Oct. 5, 12, 19, 28. Nov. 2, 9, 16, 30. Dec. 7.

OHPA Steps

4- Open or update eFolder after attending a group information session

Freshmen: Open your eFolder the first week of spring semester. After freshman year: Update your eFolder at least once per

semester.

5- Schedule an appointment with the Health Professions Advising Director6- Meet with your academic advisor once per semester7- Complete your self evaluation

http://www.career.vt.edu/HealthProfessionsAdvising/Advisees.html#steps

OHPA Steps

Spring semester of your junior or senior year you should schedule a campus interview with the committee

Interviews will only be offered March through May and specific dates and times will be announced on the OHPA website and listserv.

Must participate in committee interview as the committee - submit a composite evaluation letter from their undergraduate university’s evaluation committee.

OHPA Steps- Committee Interview

Typical Dental School Application Timeline for 2013 Application Cycle

*ADEA AADSAS application cycle is typically June 1-February 1.  You are encouraged to apply early, as many dental schools have application submission deadlines earlier than February 1, and all dental schools begin extending offers of admission on December 1.

Consider taking in

early spring in case you

need to retake

The Application Process

After your junior year

One Letter needs to be

from a Dentist

How to get Started: Contact the mentor coordinator for your area from the list of

mentor coordinators below. The mentor coordinator will refer you to a dentist in your area.

Contact may take place via e-mail or phone and possibly include a job shadowing opportunity.

Virginia Mentor Coordinator: Virginia Dental Association: pinkston@va.dental.org

http://www.ada.org/2194.aspx

Seek a Career Mentor

Have an Advisor look over your resume and personal statement:

Visit the Smith Career Center880 Washington St, by the roundabout and McComas Office Hours: 8am-5pm M-F Walk-In Hours: 12pm -3pm M-F

Contact us at www.career.vt.edu or (540) 231-6241

Career Services Resources

http://www.adea.org/DENTAL_EDUCATION_PATHWAYS/AADSAS/APPLICANTS/Pages/default.aspx

godental.org http://

www.career.vt.edu/HealthProfessionsAdvising/Index.html

http://www.ada.org/3219.aspx

Helpful Websites